Revision session RE: Biological Approach

Biological

Description of approach in terms of cause of abnormality:

All mental disorders have an underlying physical cause either brain damage, faulty regulation or brain biochemistry or genetic factors

Strengths

Some mental disorders do have physical causes e.g. schizophrenia is linked to an excess of dopamine; Alzheimers is linked to brain damage; Manic depression (Bipolar) is linked to genetic factors

Weaknesses

Not all mental disorders have physical causes e.g. Phobias are much better explained in behavioural terms.

Description of approach in terms of treatment of abnormality

If mental disorders have an underlying physical cause then the best way to treat them is physically; Drugs, ECT or psychosurgery

Strengths

Drugs – Effectiveness (Do they work?)
           - Appropriate (Should they be used?)

ECT – Effectiveness
        - Appropriate

Weaknesses

Drugs – Ethical issues (Agents of social control)
           - Associated with side effects
           - Physiological dependence (addiction)

ECT – Side effects
        - Ethical issues